NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
Centre for Japanese Studies
NewsletterCentre for Japanese StudiesOctober 2019 (Volume 7)
Inside:• Message from the Acting Director• Exchange• Culture & Language• Scholarships & other Opportunities• Events
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
Message from the Acting Director
Greetings from our new Human SciencesBuilding office!
We are happy to report that we have successfully moved from the Graduate Centre to the sixthfloor of the Human Sciences Building. This newly renovated office space is filled with ample sunlight, plenty of open space and beautiful furniture, not to mention our own library at the Global Japan Universities Office.
Having finished my first year as Acting Director, I have renewed appreciation for all the staff who took on the enormous task of running the Centre for Japanese Studies (CJS) and my predecessors who passed the torch to me. In particular, I am indebted to our Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert, Ms Tomoko Kawakita, for successfully navigating the CJS through various challenges and facilitating the leadership transition with all her sage advice. We are saddened to see her leave for Japan, but wish her all the best in continuing a productive career.
Our excellent staff didn’t miss a beat as we quickly transitioned from the office move to an academic year filled with special events that commemorated Japan’s new era, Reiwa, as well as the fourth South Africa-Japan Universities (SAJU) Forum and the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). It has been another exciting year with all our regular programming – noon seminars, Japan universities study tours, exchange programmes, Japanese language courses, and so on. Another highlight of this academic year was the TICAD event, the Japan-Africa Universities Dialogue at the University of Tokyo, attended by vice-chancellors from African and Japanese universities, including the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria (UP), Professor Tawana Kupe.
I invite you to read their stories in this issue and join our network. Whenever you’re in the neighbourhood, please be sure to visit us in the new space.
Professor Hennie F. StanderActing Director, Centre for Japanese Studies
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
Student ExchangeTokyo University of Foreign Studies
Student ExchangeHokkaido University
Student ExchangeSophia University
Ms Wendy-Rose Govender was the first UP student to go on an exchange programme to Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS). She left for Japan on 1 April and returned in August 2019. Wendy-Rose is a second-year industrial engineering student at UP. She was very determined to study in Japan and she chose modules like Japanese Language, Greek and Roman Mythology, Modern English Literature, Topics in Religion and Popular Culture in Japan.
Ms Virginia Theuri, a second-year UP student, also left in April 2019 for an exchange programme to Hokkaido University. She is the third student from UP to go on the exchange programme to Hokkaido University. She is currently studying for a BSc in genetics, psychology and human physiology at UP. Virginia chose to do the following modules at Hokkaido University: Japanese Language, Grammar, Vocabulary, Kanji, Japanese Culture and Career Planning.
The CJS welcomed two students from Sophia University for a six-month exchange visit toUP. Yuho Isobe and Anju Hirayama are both doing theirfinal year of a political science degree. They are in South Africa until the end of November 2019.
Exchange Programs
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
Culture & Language
Scholarships & other Opportunities
Japanese language course
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Global Leadership Programme (for 2020)
The CJS, in collaboration with Enterprises UP, has implemented two Japanese language courses in the firstand secondsemesters of 2019. The number of students and non-students interested in learning the Japanese language has increased. The CJS is currently working with the Japan
The ABE initiative aims at fostering leaders with proven ability to contribute towards Africa’s development in collaboration with the Japanese private sector. JICA is looking for prominent young South African nationals who are or anticipating being involved in industrial development activities in both the public and private sectors, and who have strong motivation to strengthen economic ties between South Africa and Japan.
Prospective applicants should ideally be middle-management government officials or academics who wish to be involved in policy formulation, political and development issues, and who are passionate about making a difference in public policy administration and economics.
Furthermore, participants of the programme may wish to participate in ‘additional programmes’ which allow for participation in networking fairs with Japanese enterprises and internship opportunities. Participants are also encouraged to participate in the Japan Development Studies Programme (JICA-DSP), which provides knowledge on Japan’s modernisation, World War II, and development experiences.
Foundation and Enterprises UP on a plan to launch an online Japanese language course in 2020.
The Japanese language course is ideal, whether you are looking to acquire Japanese for the purpose of business, travel or personal interest. From delicious sushi and tea to the brave samurais and beautiful geishas of ancient Japan, this three-part course (basic, intermediate and advanced) will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to communicate in this exciting language. During the course, you will be able to broaden your understanding of the Japanese language and culture, while learning the hiragana and katakana (Japanese characters) for writing and reading. You will also develop basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Japanese.
Entry requirements:Prospective delegates should at least have a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) and/or relevant work experience. Delegates who do not adhere to the minimum requirements will be considered upon submission of a motivation for enrolment.
Dates are to be confirmed in February 2020.
Deadline: 30 September annuallyAll details here: Enquiries: Scan QR codeTel: +27 (0)12 346 4493Email: [email protected]
African Business Education (ABE) Initiative Scholarships for Youth: Seventh batch (for 2020)
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
March 2019ABE initiative debriefingThe CJS was invited to participate in welcoming the returnees of the third batch of ABE initiative scholarships. The ABE initiative scholarship aims at fostering leaders with proven ability to contribute towards South Africa’s development in collaboration with the Japanese private sector.
22 May 2019Study in Japan FairHokkaido University’s Lusaka (Zambia) Office co-hosted the Study in Japan Fair with the CJS on 22 May 2019. The event took place at a hotel in Hatfield, Pretoria, which was within a few minutes’ walk from UP’s Hatfield Campus. The turnout was overwhelmingly high, with over 300 students attending. Information kits on more than 20 universities and the Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) were provided at the end of the session, and students were invited to our booth for more information and enquiries. Brochures from all Universities are available for students at the CJS.
16 May 2019Seminar: ‘Deciphering the history of mathematics and computing’ by Dr KitagawaThe CJS assisted in co-hosting Dr Kitagawa’s seminar with Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. The talk traced the recent history of cryptography and discussed the mathematical ideas that had contributed to breaking coded messages.interacted with undergraduate students from the University of Pretoria.
21 May 2019Visit by International University of JapanThe International University of Japan (IUJ) visited the CJS to meet with representatives of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to discuss the possibility of an MOU with UP. The CJS assisted in the process and the signing of the MOU between the IUJ and GIBS. This is the first MOU between GIBS and this university.
22 May 2019SAJU academic tourThe CJS hosted an academic tour for Doshisha University, Yamanashi Gakuin University and Japan SA Embassy staff. They visited UP’sHatfield Campus and Tuksdorp and also had discussions with the Department of Research and Innovation.
Events
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
23–24 May 2019South Africa-Japan Universities (SAJU) ForumApproximately 220 Japanese and South African participants convened for the fourth SAJU Forum, held at UPon 23 and 24 May 2019. Entitled ‘The human being in the 21st century in the context of global changes’, the conference gathered researchers, business leaders, research support organisations and government officials from a variety of geographical, social and cultural perspectives to deliberate on ideas, new constructs and current research.
7 August 2019South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Career Exhibition FairThe CJS participated in the annual career fair hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on 7 August 2019. The event took place at the SAIIA Head Office at the University of the Witwatersrand. The event opened with an exhibition by participating organisations. The turnout was overwhelmingly highwith over 300 guests attending. The exhibition was especially interesting for undergraduate students and postgraduate students who are willing to study in Japan and participate in internship programmes, as well asfor the adults who are interested in continuing their studies at master’s or doctoral level.deliberate on ideas, new constructs and current research.
17 August 2019#ChooseUP DayThe CJS participated in the annual #ChooseUP Day event. #ChooseUP Day hostsall Grade 12 applicants who were admitted to UP. Thousands of visitors, including parents, visited UP. The CJS brochure and information kits on more than 20 Universities and the Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) were provided to students who are interested in studying in Japan.
12 July 2019Visit by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Admin Office’s Keith OngariaKeith Ongaria, an Ritsumeikan APU staff member, visited the CJS to discusscollaboration on a Japanese language programme, a potential MOU and invitation to South Africans who are interested in studying at Ritsumeikan APU.
16 July 2019Public seminar: ‘Mutual learning to industrialise and develop: New approaches to Africa-Asia cooperation’On Tuesday, 16 July 2019, the Graduate School of Technology Management, in collaboration with the CJS, hosted a public seminar on ‘Mutual learning to industrialise and develop: New approaches to Africa-Asia cooperation’ by Prof Masafumi Nagao. Prof Nagao is the Visiting Professor at the CJS, Research Advisor at the International Development Centre of Japan and Professor Emeritus at Hiroshima University. The seminar was attended by, among others, members of JICA, the Ambassadors of Japan and Korea, the Chairperson of the UP Council and the Department of Science and Technology.
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
18–22 August 2019Visit by Ryukoku University’s Prof Shimizu KosukeBetween 18 and 22 August 2019, the CJS hosted Prof Shimizu Kosuke, Professor of the Faculty of International Relations, Department of Global Studies, Dean of Research, Director of the Afrasian Research Centre at Ryukoku University. During his stay in Pretoria, he delivered a lecture to honours students in theDepartment of Political Science on his newly published paper,‘International relations from the margins: The Senkaku/Diaoyu islands dispute’. Additionally, he delivered a seminar on the ‘Temporality and relationality of Buddhism: With the experience of Kyoto School of philosophy’. He also had several meetings with academic staff of the Department of Political Science to explore future collaboration.
30 August 2019International Student DayThe Embassy of Japan in South Africa was invited to showcase Japan at the International Student Day at UP. The CJS assisted the Japanese students studying at UP to set upa stall. Among the students from Japan were Ms Anju Hirayama and Mr Yuho Isobe. Also assisting on the day was Mr Vittesh Devchand. All three wore traditional Japanese clothing. Many other countries also had stalls,includingBotswana, Canada, Sudan, Madagascar, Malawi and Zimbabwe, to name a few. We are very proud to announce that Japan won the prizefor best exhibition! Ms Anju Hirayama also sang a beautiful rendition ofa traditional Japanese song at the song and dance event.
12 September 2019Public seminar: ‘Lesson Study as a teacher development approach: theory and practice’On Tuesday, 12 September 2019, the CJS hosted a public seminar on ‘Lesson Study as a teacher development approach: theory and practice’ by Dr David Sekao. Lesson Study is a teacher development approach thatoriginated from and is widely used in Japan. Documented evidence of the effects of Lesson Study on teacher development has led to increasing interest in its use outside Japan. The aim was to share insight into the theoretical and practical perspectives of Lesson Study locally and internationally. Dr Sekao is the Coordinator of Lesson Study in the Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Faculty of Education, UP.
27 August 2019Japanese-African Universities Dialogue on Global Sustainable Development (a TICAD Partnership Project)CJS visiting fellow Prof Nagao, in collaboration with TUFS, organised the TICAD Partnership Project, Japanese-African Universities Dialogue on Global Sustainable Development. The main aim of this seminar is to stimulate the public debate and awareness of the critical role that universities should play in promoting Africa-Asia partnership for the pursuit of global sustainable development, and thereby contributing to the strengthening of knowledge exchange, creation and sharing in the TICAD process.
Attendees included Prof Taikan Oki (Special Counsellor to President, University of Tokyo), Dr Keiko Takei (Chief Education Analyst, Human Development Department, African Development Bank), Prof Kayoko Hayashi (President, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), Prof Masanori Kasahara(Acting President, Hokkaido University), Prof Tawana Kupe (Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UP), Prof Peter Mbithi (Chair, ESDA Project, University of Nairobi), Prof Luke Mumba (Vice-Chancellor, University of Zambia), Dr Molapo Qhobela (CEO, National Research Foundation, South Africa), Prof Francis Petersen (Vice-Chancellor, University of Free State), Prof Yasunori Baba (Professor, Reitaku University), Prof Mari Iizuka (Professor, Doshisha University) and Mr Iwasuke Shimada (Managing Director, Toshiba Africa (Pty) Ltd).
NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2019 (VOLUME 7)
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